REGISTER for NCCWSL 2024

National Scholarship Application

 

 

JOIN US SATURDAY, JANUARY 13 10:00 AM

IOWA LEGISLATIVE UPDATE-2024 SESSION

        AMES LIBRARY PEO ROOM

Join us with your comments/questions for:

HERMAN QUIRMBACH – State Senator

BETH WESSEL-KROESCHELL & ROSS WILBURN

            STATE REPRESENTATIVES

 

 

AAUW Iowa Initiative – Dec 2023 link:

https://aauw-ia.aauw.net/files/2023/12/Iowa-Initiative-Dec-2023.pdf

 

AAUW IOWA AT THE CAPITOL for July 11 Special Session of the Iowa General Assembly

AAUW Iowa, along with other organizations from across the state, participated in a rally at the Iowa Capitol to protest a reproductive rights ban

L-R: AAUW Ames members Phyllis Peters and Diane Patton and AAUW Iowa 2021-2023 President Ann Gale  were among those at the rally and attending legislative committees to protest a 6-week abortion ban in the called Special Assembly.  The so-called “fetal heatbeat” law prohibits physicians from providing most abortions after early cardiac activity can be detected in a fetus or embryo, commonly as early as six weeks into pregnancy, before many women know they are pregnant.

 

AAUW Iowa Position Statement on Reproductive Rights

Issued July 6, 2023

AAUW has advocated for women and girls since 1881.  AAUW of Iowa and its 16 branches throughout the state work to guarantee gender equality, individual rights, and social justice, supporting (as stated in our 2022-2024 public policy statements)

• Universal access to quality, affordable health care, including mental health care, comprehensive family planning services. . .
• Self-determination of one’s reproductive health decisions and opposition to targeted regulation of abortion providers. . . .

The AAUW of Iowa opposes any legislation that strips Iowa women and girls of their reproductive freedoms.  We therefore urge Iowa legislators to reject further restrictions on abortion care.

 

NCCWSL Scholarship Application from AMES Branch: Due April 15

 

 

I am excited to announce that our keynote speaker for NCCWSL 2023 will be bestselling author and leading advocate for equity in the workplace, Minda Harts! Minda is a highly sought-after speaker who is committed to empowering women to thrive at work, even when they come up against the sexism and racism that’s still present in so many workplaces. –Gloria L. Blackwell, AAUW CEO

Minda’s bestselling books include The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table, and Right Within: How to Heal from Racial Trauma in the Workplace. She is assistant professor of public service at New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and the founder of The Memo LLC, a career development company.

A rising star, Minda was named the #1 Top Voice for Equity in the Workplace by LinkedIn in 2020, and one of the top 100 People Transforming Business by Business Insider in 2022. We are honored that she’ll be sharing her expert insights and advice with the young leaders at this year’s NCCWSL!

We are also thrilled that after the years of meeting virtually, this year’s conference is back live and in person at the University of Maryland, College Park from May 31-June 3, 2023.

It’s going to be an exciting weekend full of actionable advice, profound motivation, and of course, amazing and inspiring women. So don’t delay in registering — we’re expecting a full house at this year’s NCCWSL, the leadership event for college women! 

NCCWSL REGISTRATION

 

 

Pregnant Workers Fairness Act passed by Congress

Tues, Feb 7, 7PM “37 Words: Title IX and Fifty Years of Fighting Sex Discrimination”

Presented by the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics in the Great Hall, Memorial Union

https://cattcenter.iastate.edu/2023/01/09/sherry-boschert-to-visit-campus-as-2023-mary-louise-smith-chair/

Tues, Jan 17, 7 PM “1619 Project: Podcast discussion”

Trailer: Introducing the 1619 Project and Episode 1: The Fight for True Democracy

 

Tues, Jan 10, “DACA-Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals”

Ames Public Library at 7PM

Speakers: Dawn Martinez Oropeza, Executive Director of Al Éxito Iowa, and Al Éxito ISU founders: Juan Carlos Oropeza, President and Caroly Coronado, Vice-President.

 

Tues, Nov 15, “1619 Project Discussion and Planning for Community Six Session Study Group” at Ames Public Library, PEO Room

 

Thurs, Nov 10, Fundraising event at Worldly Goods,            223 Main Street, Ames Iowa  10 A.M -7 P.M.

Purchase unique handcrafted items for gift-giving, yourself or your home. REMEMBER TO SAY your purchase is to benefit AAUW Ames. The emphasis by Worldly Goods on providing a paid living wage and safe work conditions for the artisans aligns well with AAUW’s mission of equality in education, economic security, and leadership.

 

 

Wed, Nov 2, “A Conversation With Nikole Hannah-Jones About the 1619 Project” at Stephens Auditorium

Photo by James Estrin

Hannah-Jones will present the Iowa State University 2022 Manatt-Phelps Lecture in Political Science. It is free and open to the public.

 

Tues, Oct 11, “Hard Won, Not Done: The Equal Rights Amendment” at Ames Public Library, PEO Room

The Equal Rights video will be viewed and then followed by a workshop on social media activism led by Alissa Stoehr.

 

Tues, Sept 13, Joint Meeting With Clarion AAUW Branch at Green Hills Community Room: “Iowa Election Law Changes” presented by Dr Karen Kedrowski.

Kedrowski, Director of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics at Iowa State University, will share information about the recent changes in Iowa Election Law and its impact

 

 

July 10 Reproductive Rights Rally at the Iowa Capitol

Among the thousands in attendance, AAUW Ames members participated.

Rally July 10 with a Coalition of groups and individuals who support Reproductive Freedom @ Iowa Capitol’s west side.

Food will be available at 11 am and attendees are encouraged to visit organization tables prior to the program that will begin at 12 pm.

Abortion is still legal in Iowa, but politicians have made clear their intention to restrict abortion out of existence in Iowa. We are working with partners across the state to unite Iowans in solidarity for reproductive freedom. Together, we will peacefully join our voices and send a message of our strength and unity.

 

AAUW Ames Members joined Ames Women’s Rally June 29 in Campus Town

“Without reproductive freedom, there can be no equity.”  – AAUW Statement

AAUW Ames Annual Meeting

Tues, June 14 at 7:00 PM at Ames Public Libary

The following officers will be elected for two year terms: Program Convenor, Assistant Program Convenor and Treasurer.  Also, an election to fill one year of an unexpired two year term of Secretary.

Following the business meeting, the branch will participate in brainstorming for 2022-23 Program Planning.

 

Title IX: The Impact on Collegiate Sports

Tues, May 10 at 7:00 PM at Ames Public Library

Christy Johnson-Lynch, Iowa State University Head Volleyball Coach, is in her 17th year with the university and has re-written Cyclone Volleyball history. The Cyclones have made it to the NCAA Championships in 13 of her 16 seasons at the helm. She has guided the Cyclones to the NCAA Regional Semifinals three times and to the Regional Final in 2008 and 2011.

Iowa State players have received all-conference recognition from the Big 12 on 44 occasions, including winning the league’s top libero award nine of the past 12 seasons. The Cyclones have had 13 student-athletes earn AVCA All-America honors under Johnson-Lynch.

The Cyclones have put 74 student-athletes on Academic All-Big 12 teams including a program-record 12 honorees in 2020 when 11 players made the First Team. Iowa State is the only Big 12 program to ever put at least 10 student-athletes on an Academic All-Big 12 volleyball team in a single season.

Johnson-Lynch concluded a two-year stint as President of the American Volleyball Coaches Association in 2016-17. She served on the AVCA Board of Directors in 2018 in the role of “Past President”.

 

 

 

Celebrate 140 years of AAUW at our Soup Supper

Tues, Apr 12 at 5:30 PM at Stone Brooke Clubhouse, 3816 Fletcher Blvd, Ames

 

Ames AAUW Fund Chair Jean Giddings will lead us in learning more about the national and local impacts of the AAUW Fund and how we support AAUW’s work.Fellowships & Grants

 

 

Title IX – It’s Intentions, It’s Impact and What’s Left Undone

Tues, Mar 8 at 7 PM at Ames Public Library PEO Room & Zoom

Dr. Karen Kedrowski, was named Director of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics at Iowa State University in January 2019. She leads the second oldest women and politics think tank in the United States. The Catt Center is dedicated to promoting women’s political and civic engagement through academic study and engagement. Her research areas are women in US politics, civic engagement, and health policy. She is a member of the University Committee for the Advancement of Women and Gender Equity.  Dr. Kedrowski is a frequent media commentator and is author or coauthor of three books and many book reviews, book chapters, journal articles, blog posts, encyclopedia articles, and a Girl Scout patch commemorating women’s suffrage.

 

AAUW Ames & AAUW Iowa Join the Free Statewide Lament of Iowa’s Discriminatory Legislation – Feb 16 at 5 PM

Register to Participate In-person at Ames Public Library or via Zoom

Pronouns Matter!

Tues, Feb 15, 2022, 7:00 PM ZOOM

nicci port (she, her, hers) is known as a creative and connective problem-solver who brings people together to address matters that are important to the Iowa State community. Prior to her current role, nicci was active in inclusion initiatives through founding, chairing, and/or advising numerous LGBTQ-affirming groups, co-founding ISU’s Faculty and Staff Association Council, and organizing the participation of underrepresented faculty, staff and students in campus-wide initiatives.

Diversity and Inclusion in the Iowa Legilature

Sat, Jan 8, 2022, 9:00 AM ZOOM

 

Ross Wilburn is an American politician and social worker serving as a member of the Iowa House of Representatives from the 46th district (portions of Story County.) Elected in November 2018, he assumed office in January 2019. He serves on Standing Committees: Appropriations, Judiciary, State Government, Veterans Affairs (Ranking Member).

Ames Police Department and the Ames Community

Tues, Nov 9, 2021, 7:00 PM at Ames Public Library, PEO Room

 

Prior to becoming Ames Police Chief on July 1, 2021, Geoff Huff served as Interim Chief for nearly one year and has been in the department for nearly 27 years.

Learn more about his thoughts on community policing/community engagement in Ames.

 

 

Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: AAUW Iowa Member Jan Mitchell

Sat, Nov 6, 2021, 10 AM, Iowa Human Rights Facebook Page

Celebrate the 2021 Class of the Iowa Women’s Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees have made significant contributions in the fields of photography, education, humanitarianism, entertainment, and justice. The virtual celebration, open to the public, will be shown via the Department of Human Rights’ Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/iowadepthumanrights

 

 Jan Mitchell (Des Moines, IA):  Educator, 1997 Iowa Teacher of the Year, 2019 Iowa Latino Hall of Fame Robert D Ray Award for Equity and Justice recipient. Over the course of her career, Jan Mitchell has been instrumental in assisting the education and social mobilization of hundreds of Iowa’s Latinx students, championing women’s rights, and prioritizing service-led compassion into her work with the community.

Mitchell is a founding and current member of AAUW IA e-network Branch. Prior to her move to Des Moines, her membership was In Marshalltown.

 

AAUW Names Gloria Blackwell as New CEO, Effective Oct 18

Blackwell, who currently serves as AAUW’s Executive Vice President and Chief Program Officer, was chosen for the role because of her deep executive experience and her impressive record of innovative contributions to AAUW’s mission, according to AAUW Board President Julia T. Brown.

“As AAUW proudly celebrates 140 years of advancing equity for women and girls this year, we know that Gloria is the right leader at the right time,” Brown said. “Her outstanding talents are unparalleled assets to AAUW. The Board and all our members are privileged to partner with Gloria to continue to uplift our mission and vision of equity for all.”   More on Gloria Blackwell

 

ISU Report on the Status of Women

Tues, Oct 12 at 7:00 PM, Ames Public Library, PEO Room

Dr. Sayali Kukday, and Dr. Ruxandra Marcu will share from the report of  the University Committee for the Advancement of Women and Gender Eequity, “What’s it like to be a woman at ISU?”  For all programming this year, go to Calendar

 

Hard Won-Not Done: Closing Event Oct 4 at ISU Scheman

Ames members (L-R) Phyllis Peters, Diane Patton, Pat Newman and Jeri Prescott (not in photo) attended Iowa’s statewide closing event to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment.

Marjorie J. Spruill, historian and author, shared her research on how our nation has evolved to become “Divided We Stand”. The event was hosted by the Iowa State University Catt Center for Women and Politics.

 

Diversity and Inclusion in the Ames School District

Tues, Sept 14 at 7:00 PM, Ames Public Library, PEO Room

Join us for conversation with Dr. Anthony Jones and Mr. Yonas Michael of the Ames Community School District as we explore Diversity and Inclusion for students, faculty and staff in public education.  For all programming this year, go to Calendar

 

 

September 8 marks the date that Native women have to work into the new year to finally reach equal pay from the previous year. Native women experience one of the most harmful pay gaps: taking home, on average, 60 cents to every dollar white, non-Hispanic men make. But as a notoriously understudied group, more research and data are needed, especially with respect to factors that cause and perpetuate the pay gap. We do know that Native women face high rates of systemic violence, poverty & healthcare disparities, all compounding a gender pay gap that endangers their economic security during a global crisis. We need your voice to speak out: Native women and our country cannot wait.

Hard Won – Not Done. AAUW Iowa Joins the Parade

AAUW Iowa L-R: Ames Branch President & Past Iowa President Diane Patton, Iowa Treasurer Pat Higby, Past Iowa President Ann Gale, and  Des Moines Branch Leadership Team member Faith Sherman.

AAUW Iowa members joined other women’s organizations in the “Hard Won – Not Done.” entry in the Iowa State Fair Parade, Wednesday, August 11, 2021.  Wearing white clothing and replica “Votes for Women” sashes, the participants walked with a replica of a 1912 Woman Suffrage Wagon.  This was in (postponed due to COVID19) tribute to the 100th anniversary of  the 1920 ratification of the constitutional right for women’s vote The parade was live-broadcast on Iowa PBS and is available for viewing on their website.

Among the work to pass and then ratify the 19th Amendment to the Constitution granting most women the right to vote, women would often dress in white and wear sashes at rallies to draw attention to the need for equality of the vote.

  

The banner was held by rotating carriers.

AAUW members help carry the banner: Pat Higby on far left and Ann Gale on far right.

 

All ages participated.

Assembled prior to the parade.

Parade Link:  https://www.iowapbs.org/fair/story/38836/2021-iowa-state-fair-parade

August 3 marks the date that Black women have to work into the new year to finally reach equal pay from the previous year. 

Black women working full-time are only paid 63 cents for every dollar earned by white, non-Hispanic men, meaning it still takes over seven additional months to equal their counterpart’s pay for the previous year. And the compounding injustices of sexism and racism widen and reinforce this wage gap. At the current rate, Black women will not see equal pay with white men for over a century. That is another century of inequities and crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, where Black women have less economic security to sustain themselves. Another 100 years of inequality and injustice.

We need to update our laws to ensure all workers can take home a fair paycheck, and the Paycheck Fairness Act is one big piece of legislation aimed at just that. This past spring, the House of Representatives passed it with bipartisan support, but the U.S. Senate failed us in June. During a pandemic, with Black women doing essential jobs keeping our economy going but making less than men doing the same job, it is our duty to ensure paycheck fairness for all.

You must stand up for equal pay and ensure your senators hear you loud and clear. The AAUW Pay Equity Activist Toolkit provides guidance on contacting your senators, writing to your newspaper, and engaging in the conversation—all important actions where we need you. We must call on all elected officials to listen to voters, who overwhelming support pay equity, and work to pass this important bill. And it must happen now.

Urge your senator to do their part by supporting the Paycheck Fairness Act today

 

Join Us and Be Part of the 2021 Iowa State Fair Parade!

When:  Wednesday evening, August 11, 2021  Downtown Des Moines.

Parade Entry: Hard Won. Not Done. The Iowa  19^th Amendment Centennial Commemoration Committee, along with the League of Women Voters, Nexus Executive Women’s Alliance and other supporting partners invite people of all ages to walk alongside a replica Suffrage Wagon. Original wagon housed at Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

Time: Parade begins at 6:15 PM Plan to arrive at Iowa State Capitol Complex staging area by 5 PM.* Parade officials will tell us our staging time and parade number about 1 week before parade.  This is Iowa’s largest parade with more than an estimated 50,000 spectators lined up  along the route.

Parade Route: The parade starts at the Iowa State Capitol Complex and  heads west on Grand Avenue to Pappajohn Sculpture Park. The 1.7-mile parade route is mostly flat. Walkers need to arrange transportation back to their vehicles. Vehicles are not allowed inside parade staging area.

Parade Attire: Please wear all white in tribute to the suffragists who worked 70 years for the passage of  the 19^th Amendment. Comfortable walking shoes a must!

Learn more about parade and suffrage

Perceptions of Identity – Paintings by Rose Frantzen at Christian Petersen Art Museum, Morrill Hall, Iowa State University

Combating Unconscious Bias

 

AAUW AMES OFFICERS 2021-2022

The following officers were elected or appointed this spring to serve the branch this year.

President: Diane Patton, Program Convener: Jean McMaken. Secretary: Polly Gilbert, Treasurer: Phyllis Peters, Membership: Mary Ann Lundy, Yearbook Editor: Carol Miller. Additional appointees will be named.

The Good Readers Book Group has selected nine titles which will be discussed during monthly gatherings beginning in September 2021 through May 2022. The schedule is posted at this link: Good Readers Schedule

Dr Connie Hargrave and Dr Barbara Woods: Becoming an  Ally to Dismantle Systemic Racism – Tues, May 11,  7 PM Zoom

Dr Connie Hargrave is the newly named associate dean for the College of Engineering and previously was on faculty in the Dept of Curriculum and Instruction, College of Education and Director of ISU Science Bound which focuses on preparing students of color. Much of her teaching and research focused on using technology to develop STEM knowledge in K-12 students.

Dr Barbara Woods is Special Projects Manager for ISU Human Sciences Extension and Outreach and adjunct assistant professor in Human Development and Family Studies. She was among 12 women featured in the 2018 Women Impacting ISU calendar.

 

Dr George Belitsos: Progress in Iowa’s Fight to End Human Trafficking – Tues, April 13, 7 PM Zoom

Dr Belitsos is Founder and Board Chair, Iowa Network Against Human Trafficking and Slavery and (Retired) Founder and CEO of Youth and Shelter Services of Iowa. Dr Belitsos also serves on the board of directors of the International Rotary Action Group Against Slavery.

Join us to learn more.

 

 

March 24th marks the date that women have to work into 2021 to finally reach the pay men took home in 2020 alone. 

We’ve long known that on average, women who work full-time take home less than men – about 82 cents on the dollar – and that many women of color are paid far less. But the COVID-19 pandemic is revealing and exacerbating those economic inequalities.

This time of crisis has made it very clear: A lifetime of pay discrimination adds up. The gender wage gap is dangerous and it continues to hurt our nation’s workers and our national economy.

This Equal Pay Day it is more important than ever that Congress do their job to update and strengthen the Equal Pay Act of 1963 by passing the Paycheck Fairness Act. This bill would take meaningful steps to help close the gender pay gap. Here is where you come in. AAUW’s Paycheck Fairness Act Toolkit outlines critical ways you can do your part to fight for equal pay:

• Contact your members of Congress.
• Write a Letter to the Editor.
• Speak up on social media.
• Talk to your family and friends.

The time to act is now. The Paycheck Fairness Act – which passed the U.S. House in 2020 – is being considered again now. Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor held a hearing on it. Congress must now move this bill forward to ensure all women have the tools they need to challenge discrimination and all employers have the incentives they need to comply with the law. To make equality a reality, we need you.

Mark All Women’s Equal Pay Day and support the Paycheck Fairness Act now! 

 

 

Ames Women Entrepreneurs Share Pandemic Experiences – Tues, Mar 9, 7 PM Zoom

Our Women’s History Month program is “The Impact of COVID on Women-Owned Businesses.” Join us to hear Lyndsey Fennelly of Campus Cycle, Kristin Roach of Little Woods, and Mindy Bergstrom from Cooks Emporium and Nook & Nest!

 

 

Feb 9, AAUW Fellow and Fellow Finalist at ISU Present:

 

AAUW Reponse to Jan 6 Assault on U.S. Capitol

The mob used hateful language and displayed symbols of white supremacy as they forced their way into the hallowed halls of Congress. We mourn the loss of the five individuals killed in the attack, including Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, and the many others hurt.

And, as we collectively work to understand the roots of our nation’s divisions, we ask you to actively engage in efforts to defeat white supremacy: Please review our new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion toolkit and plan to attend our town hall webinar on Tuesday, January 19 at 4 p.m. ET with AAUW Board Chair Julia Brown and the Racial and Social Justice Working Group. 

To see the full response written by AAUW CEO Kimberly Churches, go to https://ames-ia.aauw.net/response-to-jan-6-us-capitol-attack/

Wed Nov 11, 2020 – Shop on AAUW Benefit Day:

Shop to Benefit AAUW

On-line Midnight to Midnight or In the Store 10 am- 5pm

 

 

Dr. Ruxandra (Sandra) Looft: Start Smart Workshops at ISU

November 10 at 7:00PM Zoom

Dr Looft, Faculty Affiliate, Women’s and Gender Studies. https://sloss.dso.iastate.edu/about/meet-the-staff/ruxandra

The Sloss Center for Women and Gender Studies administers AAUW Smart Start, a program from AAUW focusing on providing college students with the knowledge and negotiating skills necessary to receive fair and realistic compensation when entering the job market. Dr Looft will share ISU’s experience.

https://sloss.dso.iastate.edu/programs—events/start-smart

 

 

Replay the Three Candidate Forums:

Presented by a Collaboration of  AAUW Ames and  League of Women Voters – Ames/Story County via Webex : 2020 Story County Candidate Forums

 

 

Virginia Hartwell Davidson Richards

A third-generation AAUW member and AAUW Ames former president, Virginia Richards died July 22, 2020.  Virginia Hartwell Davidson Richards

 

19 Facts About the 19th Amendment on its 100th Anniversary

Dr Dianne Bystrom, Former Director, and Dr Karen Kudrowski, Director, of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics, Iowa State Universiity, provide information about the 19th Amendment.

Disclosure statement:  Dianne Bystrom is affiliated with the League of Women Voters, a non-partisan, non-profit, political organization. She currently serves as the co-president of the League of Women Voters of Nebraska (2019-2021).  Karen M. Kedrowski received funding from Humanities Iowa and the National Endowment for the Humanities. She is also a member of the League of Women Voters.

https://theconversation.com/19-facts-about-the-19th-amendment-on-its-100th-anniversary-134517

AAUW Stands Against Racism

The following is a statement from AAUW CEO Kimberly Churches,  June 1, 2020

AAUW joins the country in mourning the losses of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and countless other people of color who have been unjustly killed across our nation. Our country needs healing. But healing will only come with justice. As an organization we condemn racism.

Systemic racism is firmly rooted in the U.S. and today’s injustices mirror our shameful history — from police brutality to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color. There can be no justice or equality when Black and Brown communities are seen as less deserving of basic human and civil rights.

On behalf of our 170,000 members and supporters, we commit to fighting for justice, long-term and lasting change, and we stand in solidarity against racism. We also acknowledge that as an organization we have our own work to do.

And, as a member of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, we will work to advance the policies and systemic changes identified in the New Era of Public Safety: A Guide to Fair, Safe, and Effective Community Policing and Vision for Justice platform.

 

Impact of AAUW Start Smart Workshop

I have impostor syndrome

by Megan Ziemann, Opinion Columnist, Iowa State Daily (Published Iowa State Daily, June 11, 2020. Used by permission)

Impact of AAUW Start Smart